President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 100 percent tariff on all films produced abroad and imported into the United States, a proposal that analysts warn could disrupt Hollywood's global business model and shake the international film industry.

Trump claimed that foreign countries have“stolen” America's film production and argued it was time to bring the industry back home. Yet he has not specified the legal mechanism his administration would use to enforce such sweeping tariffs.

So far, the White House and major Hollywood studios - including Warner Bros., Paramount, and Netflix - have refrained from commenting. Industry experts caution that tariffs of this scale would raise production and distribution costs, ultimately leading to higher ticket prices and streaming fees for U.S. consumers.

Although the U.S. film industry recorded a $15.3 billion trade surplus in 2023, Hollywood has long relied on overseas production hubs such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, where generous tax incentives and professional infrastructure make blockbuster projects more affordable. Financing and distribution are also increasingly global, with European and Asian investors playing key roles.

Analysts say a tariff barrier would not only inflate costs but also undermine international partnerships that underpin modern filmmaking. Thousands of jobs in visual effects, set construction, and cross-border production could be threatened, while America's cultural influence abroad risks being weakened.

The plan underscores Trump's broader protectionist agenda, raising concerns that policies designed to boost domestic industries could backfire against sectors that depend on international collaboration. Critics argue that isolating Hollywood from its global network would damage both U.S. soft power and consumer interests.

For now, the proposal remains uncertain, but its announcement has already rattled industry insiders. Observers warn that if implemented, the tariffs could trigger a seismic shift in how films are financed, produced, and distributed worldwide.

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